A misericórdia que gera vida

: uma leitura de Lc 15,11-32

Abstract

The parable of the “merciiful father” (Luke 15:11-32), being the core of the third gospel, tells us a great deal about Jesus, His message and interlocutors. The texts contains a unique and unrepeatable story with remarkable originality. Before drawing any conclusions, it is important to understand the sitz-im-leben of the text in order to comprehend its origin and central message. The text analysis and the social and religious aspects therein are taken in relation with the whole of the gospel of Luke, as the premises for focusing the characters in their respective motivations, features and distinctive behavior. Mercy is the main thread running through this text, despite being present only in the actions of the main character, the father. Moreover, mercy is the chief characteristic of the man telling the parable, Jesus. The two sons typify His interlocutors: the Pharisees and the Doctors of the Law (typified by the older son) and the sinners and the publicans (typified by the younger son). Nevertheless, the parable is not restricted to the exercise of mercy, instead it points to salvation, as announced in the final banquet.

Date of Award	4 Jan 2018
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	João Alberto Correia (Supervisor)